Quick Summary:
- Yes, drop passengers at Departures first, then drive to car hire return.
- Use the correct terminal approach lane early, avoid late weaving.
- Allow 30 to 60 minutes for return, shuttle, and bag handover.
- Take photos of fuel and mileage before walking away.
With Orlando car hire at Orlando International Airport (MCO), it is usually possible, and often sensible, to drop your family at Departures first, then return the vehicle. The key is doing it in a way that avoids the classic MCO stress points, missing the right ramp, being forced into another loop, or arriving at the rental return too late for check-in.
This guide gives you a practical, step-by-step plan for a terminal drop-off that keeps everyone calm, and gets you to the car hire return with minimal backtracking. If you are arranging your vehicle through Hola Car Rentals, start with the MCO overview pages such as Orlando airport car rental at MCO or car rental options at MCO, then use the routing plan below on your departure day.
Can you drop your family at MCO departures before returning the car?
In most cases, yes. MCO allows passenger drop-offs at the Departures level (the upper roadway) for the main terminals, and you can then drive on to the rental car return area. This is a common approach for families because it reduces the number of people, bags, and distractions you handle during the return process.
There are two situations where you may choose the reverse order (return first, then go to Departures on the shuttle): if you are extremely early and want everyone together, or if your airline recommends being landside as a group due to special assistance needs. For most travellers, though, Departures first is the smoother path.
Know what you are aiming for at MCO: Terminal A or B, and the right level
MCO’s main airline facilities are split across Terminal A and Terminal B within the central terminal. Most standard passenger drop-offs happen on the Departures roadway, and you follow overhead signs to your airline and terminal. The goal is simple: get to the correct Departures curb, unload quickly, then exit the terminal roads in a way that sets you up for the car hire return.
If you have a larger group, you may be using a people carrier. Hola Car Rentals has airport vehicle options designed for family loads, including minivan rental at MCO and SUV rental at MCO. Whatever you drive, the stress reduction comes from planning your lane choices early.
The best route concept: one clean pass through Departures, then straight to Rental Car Return
Rather than thinking of a single “best road”, treat this as a sequence with two non-negotiables: (1) stay calm and commit early to the Departures approach, and (2) after you leave the curb, follow signs for Rental Car Return as soon as they appear, without attempting last-second lane changes.
MCO’s terminal loop roads are designed to keep traffic moving. That means you can be forced into another circuit if you miss a ramp or lane. Your goal is to avoid that by using the following step-by-step terminal drop-off plan.
Step-by-step terminal drop-off plan (minimises loop-backs)
Step 1, 60 to 90 minutes before you want to be at the kerb: align on timing. Build in buffer time for (a) the drive into the airport, (b) kerbside congestion, and (c) the return and shuttle. On a normal day, allow 30 to 60 minutes from kerb drop-off to walking into the rental return area and getting on the shuttle (or moving through the facility). During peak holiday waves, add more.
Step 2: before you hit the airport roads, get the “handover kit” ready. Put passports, boarding passes, and one payment card in a small pouch. Put the car keys on a lanyard or in a zip pocket. Make sure each person knows which bag is theirs and who carries what. This prevents kerbside scrambling, which is the number one cause of missing the exit lane after drop-off.
Step 3: approach MCO and commit to Departures early. Follow the airport signs for the terminal and Departures. As you near the split for Arrivals versus Departures, get into the correct lanes early and stay there. Avoid the temptation to “just pop over” if you see a shorter queue, those changes are what trigger forced loop-backs.
Step 4: choose your kerb strategy, fast unload beats perfect positioning. Aim to stop where there is space, even if it is not directly outside your airline sign. Your passengers can walk a short distance along the pavement with bags, this is still faster than crawling forward looking for a perfect spot. Put hazard lights on briefly if needed, unload efficiently, then move on.
Step 5: send one capable adult with documents and key bags inside. As the driver, you should remain with the vehicle. If there are checked bags, have the group keep them together and head towards the correct check-in area straight away. If you have mobility needs or lots of bulky luggage, your helper can grab a trolley immediately.
Step 6: exit Departures without hesitation, then follow Rental Car Return signs. Once everyone is on the pavement, pull away as soon as safe. The moment you leave the kerb area, start scanning for the first clear sign for Rental Car Return. Take it as soon as it is offered. If you miss it, do not cut across multiple lanes, accept the loop, stay safe, and pick up the next opportunity.
How to avoid wrong-lane stress after drop-off
Think in two decisions only. First, get to Departures and unload. Second, leave Departures following signs for Rental Car Return. Trying to optimise beyond that inside the terminal road system often backfires.
Do not chase the shortest queue. A slightly slower lane that keeps you correctly positioned is better than a faster lane that ends in an exit you do not want.
Keep sat nav zoomed out. If you are using a navigation app, zoom out and mute prompts once you are on airport property. Airport signage should override app instructions, which can lag or suggest unsafe lane changes.
Avoid phone handling. If you must check the rental return address, do it before you enter the airport. On the airport loop, focus on signs and lane markings.
Car hire return at MCO: what to do so you are not delayed
Once you reach the rental return area, the process is usually straightforward, but a few habits prevent last-minute delays.
Fuel plan: finish fueling 10 to 15 minutes before the airport. The closest stations can be busy and sometimes confusing to enter and exit. Top up slightly earlier and keep the receipt. Even if your car hire agreement does not require it, receipts can help settle any dispute quickly.
Photo evidence: take quick pictures before you hand over. Photograph the fuel gauge, odometer, and exterior corners. It takes 20 seconds and is useful if anything is questioned later.
Clear the cabin properly. Check door pockets, under seats, the boot, and cup holders. Families most commonly leave tablets, headphones, and soft toys.
Know your provider and lane. Follow on-site signs for your rental brand and return lane. If you arranged through Hola Car Rentals and want to understand the MCO set-up ahead of time, the UK-facing overview car hire at Orlando MCO is a helpful reference for planning.
Plan the shuttle or walk time. After check-in, follow instructions to the terminal transfer. Shuttles can be frequent, but allow time for waiting, loading bags, and the ride back to the terminal.
When you should not do Departures first
There are a few scenarios where returning the car first can be better.
Very heavy kerb congestion. If Departures is gridlocked and you risk missing your return time window, it may be safer to return first and take the shuttle to the terminal, especially if your family can manage the transfer easily.
Special assistance coordination. If you need wheelchair services or are meeting airline assistance staff at a specific time, keeping everyone together might reduce confusion.
Late-night or very early departures. At quieter times, either order works, but if you are uncertain about return desk staffing or lot procedures for your supplier, returning first can reduce unknowns.
If you are comparing suppliers, you can review specific MCO pages such as Alamo car rental at MCO to familiarise yourself with how returns are typically handled for that brand.
A realistic timeline you can follow
Use this as a practical planning template, then adjust for your airline’s recommended arrival time and your family’s pace.
T minus 2 hours 30 minutes: Aim to reach the airport perimeter roads. This gives you flexibility if Departures is slow.
T minus 2 hours 10 minutes: Kerbside drop-off at Departures. Unload, confirm everyone has documents and phones, then depart.
T minus 1 hour 50 minutes: Arrive at the car hire return facility, complete the return, take photos, and confirm return completion.
T minus 1 hour 30 minutes: Board shuttle or transfer to terminal, then walk to check-in or bag drop.
T minus 1 hour 10 minutes: Meet family inside, handle any last details, then proceed to security.
This timeline is deliberately cautious. It is far better to arrive at security early than to add stress by trying to shave minutes in the terminal road system.
Common mistakes that cause loop-backs and delays
Stopping too long at the kerb. If you need more time to reorganise bags or find documents, use short-term parking instead of blocking the flow. Kerbside is for fast unloading only.
Unclear division of tasks. Decide in advance who takes which bags, who manages children, and who holds travel documents. If everyone does everything, the driver often misses the correct exit lane.
Last-second lane changes. If you realise you are in the wrong lane, accept it and follow the next loop. A safe extra five minutes is better than a dangerous weave.
Returning without checking the rental agreement expectations. Know whether your agreement expects a full tank, what your grace period is, and how after-hours returns work if relevant.
FAQ
Can I legally stop at MCO Departures to drop off my family before returning my car hire? Yes, passenger drop-offs are permitted on the Departures roadway. Keep the stop brief, unload efficiently, then move on to avoid being directed to keep circulating.
What is the simplest “best route” after Departures to reach the rental return? After you pull away from the kerb, follow the first clear “Rental Car Return” signs and commit early to the correct lanes. Avoid last-second lane changes, they are the main cause of loop-backs.
How much extra time should I allow for drop-off plus car hire return at MCO? Plan for 30 to 60 minutes from Departures kerbside to completing the return and getting on the transfer back. Add extra buffer during holidays, weekends, and peak afternoon periods.
Should I return the car first instead, then take the shuttle to Departures? Return first if Departures is severely congested, if you need to coordinate special assistance as a group, or if you are worried about missing a return deadline. Otherwise, Departures first is usually easier.
What should I do at the return lot to prevent later disputes? Photograph the fuel gauge, odometer, and exterior corners, keep any fuel receipt, and make sure you have confirmation the vehicle was checked in. Then double-check the cabin for forgotten items.
